We Love —
- Enjoy a wonderful private tour of Sri Lanka - a once in a lifetime trip hitting all of the iconic sites!
- This country has so much to offer, and is always full of surprises. Visit cave temples, spice gardens and of course, the impressive Sigiriya
- Stay in quality accommodation throughout, refreshing you for another action-packed day of exploration
Here to Help —
Booking 35 days in advance and spending over £500 per person? No need to pay in full today! Just select the 30% deposit option on our payment page (terms & conditions apply)
For any additional information on this offer or assistance in making your reservation please call one of our dedicated team on 0844 8262098 or email sales@voyageprive.com
Opening hours are Monday to Friday 08:00 - 21:00 and Saturdays & Sundays from 09:00 - 17:30.
Your Destination —
This is a culturally rich and environmentally diverse country, with nine World Heritage Sites (the oldest dating back to the 3rd Century BC); 86 species of mammals (including elephant and leopard) and more than 400 bird species; a colourful array of flowering plants and trees, and a Hill Country famous for tea; 14 National Parks out of 100 areas protected by the government; and an Indian Ocean coastline boasting palm-fringed and sandy tropical beaches.
Your Itinerary —
Day 1: AIRPORT/ COLOMBO
On arrival at Colombo International Airport on your flight you will be met by a professional English speaking driver from Hayleys Tours. After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air conditioned vehicle. There after transfer to your elegant hotel in Colombo. Approximate transfer time: 45 mins.
(Standard check-in time is 12pm. Early check-in is subject to availability on the day of arrival).
Sri Lanka's commercial capital and the largest city with the highest population, Colombo is situated in the Western Province. It is a fascinating town which has a blend of eastern and western cultures where all colours of the island are drawn together. Many visitors appreciate the city's colonial heritage and enjoy the vast range of fine shopping and dining outlets that can be located within the rush of its urban buzz.
Overnight at The Kingsbury, Colombo.
After breakfast, proceed to Yala and check into your hotel. Approximate transfer time: 5-6 hrs.
Yala is one of the best spots available for wildlife observers and photographers. Apart from the wildlife, the park consists of a range of vegetation from grassland to dense jungle with an abundance of water streams, lagoons and lakes. Apart from the highest concentration of leopards, the park contains a numbers of animals including Asian elephants, crocodiles, wild boar, water buffalo and grey langurs. Birdlife includes White bellied sea eagle in parklands and Waders, Painted storks and Black necked stork in the wetlands. Sirkeer Malkoha and Sri Lanka Jungle flow are few of the Sri Lankan endemic species that can be found in Yala.
Yala National Park is a widely known Sri Lankan forest reserve which is located in the southeast part of the island. It is prominent among the other national parks due to the fact that it has the highest density of leopards. The park is an internationally recognised wild life preservation, which is about 309 km away from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Though the reserve is spread in about 1,259 square km of land, a mere 141 square km block is open for the public.
Overnight stay at Jetwing Yala, Yala
After breakfast, proceed to the royal city of Kandy. Approximate transfer time: 3-4 hrs.
Kandy is a lovely city, the Hill Capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings retains an aura of grandeur, which time has not affected. Encircled by hills, with a tranquil lake in its centre, it is the site of the renowned "Temple of the Tooth".
Kandy and its satellite villages is the centre of the island's handicraft industry and its traditional dances are the most spectacular in the country. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings and is a UNESCO world heritage site partly due to the temple.
Upon arrival check into your hotel and relax.
Thereafter you will have the time to do some shopping in Kandy, where you could fetch souvenirs in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony, bronze, ceramics, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, jewelry and reed-ware at bargain prices! On this day you will have the opportunity to study and update yourself how Sri Lankan Batiks and jewellery are prepared.
Overnight accommodation at The Mahaweli Reach, Kandy.
After breakfast leave for the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. This was originally the King's own royal pleasure garden that was later converted in to a botanic garden and opened to the public. At the Royal Botanical Gardens you can treat your eyes to an amazing, wide and rare collection of tropical and temperate, exotic and indigenous flora, and an orchid house with the largest collection in Asia.
On completion do a city tour of Kandy and then return to the Hotel. You will also have the time to do some more shopping in Kandy.
Late afternoon, make a visit to The Temple of the Tooth Relic, located in the royal palace complex which houses the Relic of the tooth of Buddha.
After that witness a Cultural Dance performance in the evening. These classical dance forms are associated with the performance of various rituals and ceremonies which are centuries old and are based on the folk religion and folk beliefs going back to times before the advent and acceptance of Buddhism by the Sinhalese people in the third century B.C.
Upon completion return to you hotel and have the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight accommodation at the Mahaweli Reach, Kandy
After breakfast proceed to Dambulla. Enroute, visit the Matale Spice Garden. Approximate transfer time: 1-1.5 hrs.
Matale is famous for its batik production and spice gardens. Batik has been an ancient art of painting cloth and today Sri Lanka is among the world leaders in the design of batik. Batik galleries and factories offer batik from simple single-colored designs to intricate multi-coloured masterpieces. For centuries, spices have been one of Sri Lanka's celebrated exports. Spices are mostly grown in home gardens (as a home industry) and used not only to flavour food but also for medicine and cosmetics.
On completion continue to Dambulla and check into hotel. Approximate transfer time: 1-1.5 hrs.
Overnight accommodation at The Paradise, Dambulla
After breakfast make a visit to the Rock Fortress in Sigiriya. Approximate transfer time: 20–30 mins.
Built by an obsessed monarch in the 5th century, Sigiriya or Lion Rock is an astonishing feat of engineering and construction. Set in the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya rises a sheer 200 metres above a forested plain, its flattened summit sloping gently. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982, Sigiriya is Asia's best preserved city of the first millennium, showing complex urban planning around the base of the rock, combined with sophisticated engineering and irrigation skills in the palace perched on the summit.
After your descent from the rock head to the village of Hiriwaduna where you can enjoy an exciting trek on a bullock cart experiencing the local culture and traditions and the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality. Approximate transfer time: 30–40 mins.
Here you will be taken on a bullock cart ride through a banana plantation where you can taste and savour the ripe bananas there. You will then be crossing a scenic reservoir in an "oruwa" (traditional boat) to visit a chena cultivation.
On your way back, you will be dropping by a local villager's house to enjoy a typical Sri Lankan boiled sweet potatoes or manioc, a delicious substitute for potatoes and the third largest source of carbohydrates. Taking a page from the life of a Sri Lankan farmer you can serve your meal on to a banana leaf and take it to the paddy field. Afterwards, return to your hotel.
Overnight accommodation at The Paradise, Dambulla
After breakfast visit the Dambulla Cave Temples.
A vast isolated rock mass - it was here that king Valagambahu took refuge in the 1st century B.C. He later turned the caves into a rock temple. Dambulla is a world heritage site and is the most impressive of Sri Lanka's cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceiling found here are over 2000 years old and is the largest area of painting found in the world. The caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock and spanning 14 metres.
On completion proceed to your beach stay in Chilaw and check into hotel. Approximate transfer time: 3 - 4 hrs.
Dinner and overnight accommodation at Anantaya Resort, Chilaw
Breakfast at hotel, spend the full day at leisure by the beach or enjoy the facilities of the hotel.
Dinner and overnight accommodation at Anantaya Resort, Chilaw.
Day 12 or 14: CHILAW AIRPORT
Today after breakfast you will be transferred to the Colombo Airport to catch your flight back home. Approximate transfer time: 1.5-2 hrs.
(Standard check-out time is 11am. Late check-out is subject to availability on the day of departure).
What's Included? —
• Accommodation in hotels specified or similar
• Meals on bed and breakfast (except the Anantaya Resort which is on a half board basis)
• Air conditioned transport with services of an English speaking Chauffeur Guide on tour (Vehicle not at disposal during beach stay) but include departure transfer on day of departure.
• Entrance fees to Yala National Park, Temple of the tooth, Royal Botanical Gardens, Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, & Hiriwadunna Village Trek
• Jeep cost at Yala National Park
• All applicable current local taxes, but subject to change at the time of booking
What's Excluded?
• Expenses of personal nature
• Cost of beverages
• Porterage & Tips
• Early Check-in/ Late Check-out
• Visa processing fee for all arrivals. Please refer to www.eta.gov.lk
Your Hotels —
If the hotels mentioned are unavailable you will be accommodated in one of the same or higher standard.
This offer is based on a Superior Room on a bed and breakfast basis.
Only 15 minutes walk to the city centre, this 5* hotel boasts spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, 5 food and beverage options and classical English architecture. With an ideal beach front location, infinity pool overlooking the ocean, spa and gym, this is the perfect stay to begin your tour and start exploring the buzzing city of Colombo.
Dine at the hotel's fabulous multi cuisine restaurant offering Western, Chinese, Japanese and South East Asian dishes, enjoy light snacks and drinks at the the Sky Lounge, or indulge in the seafood restaurant, featuring an outdoor seating deck and a selection of fine wines.
This offer is based on a Superior Room on a bed and breakfast basis.
A combination of awe-inspiring wildlife, a wellness centre, and a commitment to sustainability makes Jetwing Yala a beacon of light in the deep South. Soak up your cares in the spa and enjoy the sounds of the wild on your doorstep.
Jetwing Yala is a hotel which seeks to heal both the environment and the individual. Not only is the hotel situated next to one of the best wildlife destinations in Asia, the Yala National Park, it also hosts the largest privately owned solar park in Sri Lanka.The spa rejuvenates your mind, body and soul while the natural habitat will help you reconnect with nature. The food is superbly delicious and caters to diverse palettes. Come, see and conquer.
This offer is based on a Deluxe Room on a bed and breakfast basis.
Surrounded by the mystic ancient kingdom of Kandy, Sri Lanka's longest river & the wondrous mountain ranges, stands the palatial Mahaweli Reach Hotel. Mysteriously hidden behind the lush green tropical gardens on the plush banks of the Mahaweli river.
Experience luxury living, in the bright and spacious rooms with twin beds and private balconies, as you enjoy a magnificent view of the Pool, Garden or Mahaweli River.
This offer is based on a Deluxe Room on a bed and breakfast basis.
Deep within the ancient city of Dambulla, enveloped in mesmerising greenery, 4* Paradise Resort & Spa is one of the most prominent holiday destinations in the Central Province of Sri Lanka.
It offers an array of dining options within the property amidst exotic surroundings. A choice of restaurants serves gourmet delights combined with Sri Lankan hospitality. Most of the carefully created dishes use fresh and home grown produce handpicked from the surrounding villages and showcase culinary expertise.
Also on offer is a spa, swimming pool, fitness centre and plenty of sports and recreation activities.
This offer is based on a Superior Room on a half board basis.
The Anantaya Resort & Spa Chilaw is a relaxing sanctuary, ideally situated right on the sandy beach front and surrounded on the other side by a beautiful lagoon.
With the typical fishing village of Chilaw village a short distance away, and only 20 minutes drive from the city, the hotel makes for a desirable base from which to explore prominent attractions, such as Muthurajawela Marsh, Cultural Triangle, Anavilundawa Ramsar Wetland and the scenic coastal town of Negombo.
Your room offers spectacular ocean views from the private balcony. Enjoy cooling off in the rain shower after your long days of sunbathing, and unwind in air conditioned comfort as you curl up in your gorgeous King-size bed, letting the magnificent view sink in.
Dine in the main restaurant, one of the most popular in Chilaw, enjoy a snack by the pool or sip on a divine cocktail in the lounge bar; the choice is yours at Anantaya Resort & Spa
Take a refreshing dip in the hotel's spacious swimming pool, get healthy with a workout in the gym or indulge in one of their tranquil spa's revitalising wellness treatments; no matter your wish, the attentive staff ensure that you have a truly special stay at this luxurious hotel.
Your Journey —
Flights: The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers: Private transfers are included throughout as per the itinerary.
